The Rivalry Isn’t Over — Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie Return for Heated Rivalry Season 3

The tension is far from settled. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are officially returning for Heated Rivalry Season 3 — and fans are already bracing for another emotional storm.

In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the fandom, breakout stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie have confirmed their commitment to a potential third season of the smash-hit queer hockey romance series. While Season 2 has been officially greenlit and is set to adapt Rachel Reid’s sequel novel The Long Game, recent interviews reveal that both actors signed multi-season deals from the start—locking them in for up to three installments of the Crave and HBO Max phenomenon.

Williams, who brings nuanced vulnerability to Shane Hollander, the disciplined Japanese-Canadian captain of the Montreal Metros, and Storrie, embodying the provocative charisma of Russian firebrand Ilya Rozanov from the Boston Raiders, have become overnight sensations. Their electric chemistry—forged in auditions where Williams famously sensed an “inexplicable X-factor” with Storrie—has fueled the show’s explosive success. From secret hookups in hotel rooms to years of denial and yearning, Shane and Ilya’s enemies-to-lovers arc has captivated audiences, turning a Canadian streamer original into a global obsession.

The path to Season 3 isn’t without hurdles. Showrunner Jacob Tierney has cautioned that Season 2 won’t arrive until early 2027, prioritizing quality over haste after the rapid production of the debut season. Yet the actors’ three-season contracts signal strong confidence in the story’s longevity. Reid’s Game Changers universe offers rich material beyond Shane and Ilya’s direct sequel: interconnected tales of other players navigating love, identity, and the high-stakes world of professional hockey could expand the narrative, perhaps weaving in supporting characters like Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) and Kip Grady for deeper ensemble dynamics.

Fans are thrilled at the prospect of more on-ice clashes masking off-ice passion. The Season 1 finale, “The Cottage,” delivered a poignant moment of respite—a quiet toe-touch on the couch symbolizing hard-won intimacy—leaving viewers hungry for the complications ahead. The Long Game promises heightened drama: public scrutiny, personal sacrifices, and the ultimate test of whether their rivalry can evolve into enduring partnership. A third season could explore post-book territory, delving into legacy, family, or new challenges in a post-coming-out world.

Williams and Storrie, former restaurant waiters thrust into stardom, have handled the whirlwind with grace—and a dash of humor. In press tours, they’ve leaned into the thirst, joking about viral butt conversations and unscripted intensity. Off-screen, they’re already reuniting for projects like the spicy audio erotica Ember & Ice, proving their partnership extends beyond the rink.

Heated Rivalry has shattered records: Crave’s most-watched original, HBO Max’s top acquisition, and episodes climbing IMDb charts. Critics praise its authentic queer intent, steamy intimacy, and emotional depth, elevating sports romance to prestige drama. With Tierney optioning the full series and fan demand skyrocketing, Season 3 feels inevitable.

As the hockey world braces for more body checks and bedroom fireworks, one thing is clear: Shane and Ilya’s story isn’t melting away anytime soon. Williams and Storrie’s return ensures the heat will rise again, delivering the raw, riveting romance that made Heated Rivalry 2025’s breakout triumph. Buckle up—the rivalry, and the love, rages on.